Task force makes 'edibles' bust in north Georgia

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - It is a new one to veteran narcotics agents, popcorn laced with THC. A Flowery Branch man is facing a long list of charges after investigators said he brought the laced popcorn and other marijuana-infused edibles into Georgia.

They said he was selling them for a profit and expect others to try the same tactic as more states legalize pot.

“I have not seen the prepackaged THC infused popcorn; that was a new one on me. I was not expecting that, no,” said Lt. Don Scalia, with MANS, the Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad

He said MANS agents confiscated 24 packages of THC infused popcorn. THC is the chemical compound in marijuana responsible for the high.

“We think these particular items of contraband come from California, Nevada, possibly Colorado where businesses actually package it and sell it as medicinal THC,” said Lt. Scalia.

The veteran undercover narcotics agent spoke to FOX 5 News, but did not show his face.

He said a tip a couple of weeks ago led members of MANS to a Flowery Branch home on Pond Mill Court where they arrested 30-year-old Kyle Scott Foster.

No one was home when FOX 5 News stopped by Wednesday afternoon.

Lt Scalia said the case remains open, but investigators suspect Foster had acquaintances helping him from states where pot in various forms is legal.

“He purchased these items from dispensaries out there and then mailed them back to his residence and or has had acquaintances purchase it out there and send it back to his residence,” said Lt. Scalia.

Along with the THC-infused popcorn, he said agents confiscated six pounds of marijuana, lots of hash oil, psilocybin hallucinogenic mushrooms, 200-plus vials of TCH liquid and six dozen packages of THC-laced brownies from Fosters home. Many of the packages were labeled medicinal.

“The majority of folks utilizing items such as this are doing it for illegal recreational purposes,” said Lt. Scalia.

While medicinal marijuana is legal under tightly-controlled situations in Georgia, Lt. Scalia said he will not be surprised if more people get busted for doing the same thing.

“Just don't do it. Don't come to Georgia with those edibles we’ll be looking for you,” said Lt. Scalia.

He said the street value of the confiscated drugs was a bit more than $60,000.